Sarasota closed out the UCI BMX World Cup season over Halloween weekend, hosting rounds 9 and 10 as the final stop on the series. Top riders from around the world competed for Olympic points ahead of the Los Angeles Games, bringing international attention to a region already known among racers as a BMX mecca.
The story off the track might be even better than the results. Pro rider Rayne Lankford described the sport simply: BMX is all about family. Former pro Henry Robison said it feels like everyone is on the same team until they line up to race. USA BMX Director of Operations Chris Luna noted that this community stretches across every continent, and that spirit was on full display all weekend.
Visitors noticed the scenery too. Michelle Guerke, who traveled from outside Chicago while her son Marshall competed, praised Sarasota’s beaches and charm. World-class racing plus out-of-town families discovering the Suncoast makes for a strong weekend for the local economy and our reputation. Did you catch any of the racing? Let us know what you thought.
